Are you looking for an effortless way to create a rich, creamy bread custard that will be a delight for family and friends? If so, this guide is for you!
Our tried-and-true bread custard recipe shines because it emphasizes a smooth custard consistency and proper layering techniques. Some common missteps include under-mixing the custard or failing to allow enough chilling time.
Do these details really matter? Absolutely! These mistakes can result in a soggy or overly dense texture—something you’ll want to avoid.
Let’s dive into the easiest way to make a luscious, crowd-pleasing bread custard!
What Is Bread Custard
Bread custard is a simple, creamy dessert made by combining thickened, sweetened milk custard with pieces of bread. The dish is created by layering or mixing bread cubes with warm custard, which softens the bread into a pudding-like texture.
Often garnished with nuts, raisins, or fruit, bread custard is popular for its rich flavor and is usually served chilled. That allows the bread to absorb the custard for a smooth, comforting dessert.
How To Make Bread Custard
To prepare this bread custard, start by boiling ½ liter of milk in a pan. Add a pinch of salt and ¼ cup of sugar, stirring well until dissolved. In a separate bowl, blend 2 teaspoons of custard powder with ¼ cup of water until smooth. Pour this custard mixture into the milk, stirring continuously as it cooks until it thickens, then remove from heat.
Next, cut the edges off four slices of bread and dice them into small cubes. Place these bread cubes into a serving dish and pour the custard mixture evenly over them. Finally, garnish with nuts for added flavor and texture.
Bread Custard Recipe
Ingredients
- Milk: ½ Liter
- Salt: A pinch of
- Sugar: ¼ cup
- Custard powder: 2 teaspoons
- Water: ¼ cup
- Bread: 4 slices
- Nuts
Directions
- First, take ½ liter of milk on a pan and start boiling it. Add a pinch of salt and ¼ cup of sugar. You need to mix the salt and sugar well into the milk until they dissolve.
- After that take 2 teaspoons of custard powder and add ¼ of water to it. Now mix the custard powder and water very well. At this point, mix the custard mixture with the milk.
- Then, you must stir the milk mixture continuously. Cook the mixture nonstop, you will notice the mixture will thicken. Now it’s time to turn off the flame.
- Now take 4 pieces of bread and cut into the edges of the bread. You have to make small cubes of the bread.
- Then, take some serving bowls and pour the bread cubes into the serving dish. At this point take the custard mixture and pour on the bread cubes.
- Finally, to increase the visual appeal garnish the bread custard with some nuts.
Side Dishes Are a Great Match with Bread Custard
A bowl of bread custard itself is a satisfying dessert. However, some people like pairing side dishes with bread custard. Side dishes can elevate the dessert experience by adding contrasting flavors and textures.
My parents love to have a bowl of light, refreshing fruit salad with berries, kiwi, or citrus. They believe it balances the richness of bread custard with natural sweetness and acidity. On the other hand, one of my friends likes to have vanilla ice cream to enhance the custard’s texture while adding a cool, velvety element that pairs seamlessly.
For added crunch and flavor depth, try sprinkling toasted almonds, walnuts, or caramelized bananas on the side. If you like to have a tangy contrast, a warm berry compote, made from raspberries or blueberries can complement the sweetness of the custard.
If you don’t like any of them, you can try a small amount of dark chocolate sauce or melted chocolate to add a decadent, slightly bitter note. It will contrast beautifully with the custard’s sweetness.
Chef’s Tips
Here are some expert tips to elevate your bread custard to the next level:
- Try to use one-day-old bread. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard mixture better, giving a firmer texture. Fresh bread can become too mushy.
- For deeper flavor, infuse the milk with vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, or a hint of cardamom before making the custard. Strain out the spices before adding to the bread.
- Lightly toasting the bread cubes before adding them to the custard enhances texture and adds a subtle nuttiness.
- Bread custard can easily become too sweet, so taste the custard before adding sugar, especially if using sweetened bread or toppings.
- Add crunch with chopped pistachios, almonds, or walnuts as a topping. Drizzling caramel or chocolate sauce over the custard also adds richness and an attractive finish.
- Let the custard rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld, and the bread absorbs the custard, achieving a creamy consistency.